Yannick Rieu (L), a renowned Canadian saxophonist, performs during the 2025 Taihu Jazz Festival at the sub-venue in Langfang, north China's Hebei Province, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua)

　　Over the years, he has witnessed China's rapid evolution -- not only in its infrastructure but also in its thriving arts scene. “New festivals, music schools and clubs are springing up in China, nurturing a wave of exceptional young musicians eager to blend jazz with their own cultural identity,“ he said.

　　Li Xiaochuan, a rising star in the Chinese jazz scene, stands out as a talented trumpet player and composer. This time at the Taihu festival, he merged not only traditional Chinese instruments but also artificial intelligence (AI) into his composition and performance.

　　“We must dare to experiment, distill our insights, and share them with students and audiences, sparking fresh perspectives through transformative musical experiences,“ said Li, who is also an associate professor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, stressing the importance to embrace AI in music education and performance.

　　“Jazz should never become museum music -- it must speak with a contemporary voice,“ he added.

　　Musician Gao Xue plays erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, during a concert of the 5th Taihu Jazz Festival in Tongzhou District of Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)